October 14-15
Even in
The trip is actually the White Rim Trail in 
“We” consists of Neil Koch and John Richman from Sisters, OR, Duncan Wall, Tee’s friend from childhood who still lives in
You can check out all of the pictures at our Picasa Web Album. While awesome they in no way can convey the feelings one 
experiences while actually there. Our transportation was two Jeep Rubicons—air conditioning and satellite radio. We really felt confident in their ability to safely transport us over what is considered a moderately difficult back country trail which definitely requires high-clearance, 4-wheel-drive vehicles.
Permits are required for all overnight trips along the White Rim and usually are filled early. We lucked out and a cancellation allowed us to overnight at Candlestick, one of the sites almost halfway thru our trip. The National Park Service maintains 20 indivual campsites in 10 camping areas. Each campsite has a composting toilet which is well 
maintained. The toilet is the only thing provided and everything else must be packed in and out.
After climbing Shafer Trail the first time, a short distance later we turned down 
because it’s not actually within the boundaries of the park. The NPS doesn’t allow such activities.
It’s difficult to know when to stop taking pictures because around every corner is another breathtaking picture of Mother Nature. In some of the pictures you will see that occasionally we’re only 2-3 feet from the edge of a long fall. The other bit that we found somewhat unnerving was climbing steep sections of the road and once you reach the top you have no idea whether the road goes straight ahead or turns. It sometimes helps to remember that we’re probably only doing 2-3 mph. There were occasions, however, when we stopped to let someone walk ahead just to make sure. We let Neil and John lead 
figuring that we would have time to stop if they went over the edge.
The other somewhat unnerving consideration is meeting another vehicle since traffic moves both ways but the road is single lane (or less). Our first day we only met one vehicle but the second day we met a number of vehicles and bicyclists. Fortunately none were in locations where it is impossible to meet—including bicyclists.
We had a full moon on our overnight and a beautiful sunset. No fires allowed and a sunrise departure made for an early evening following cocktails and dinner complete with wine and dessert. I was first to arise and had a 
pleasant surprise for everyone—my Heater Buddy had the potty all nice and toasty for morning rituals.
The second day was another day of breathtaking 4-wheeling and scenery and one final climb up Shafer Trail. Back to
Summary—a great trip and recommended for all but the faint hearted.
